Quo Vadis?

 General Description:

Written over a century ago and translated into over 40 languages, Quo Vadis has been the greatest best-selling novel in the history of literature.  "Sienkiewicz wrote Quo Vadis for the entire world and the world took it to its heart," commented James Michener.

Now, in a sparkling new translation which restores the original glory and splendor of this masterpiece, W.S. Kuniczak, the most acclaimed translator of Sienkiewicz in this century, combines his special knowledge of Sienkiewicz's fiction with his own considerable talents as a American novelist.

Set at a turning point in history (A.D. 54-68), as Christianity replaces the era of corruption and gluttony that marked Nero's Rome, Quo Vadis brims with life.

About the author - Henryk Sienkiewicz was born in Poland in 1846.  His works include the famous trilogy (With Fire and Sword, The Deluge and Fire in the Steppe).  He traveled throughout the world, including two years spent in America, and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1905.  Quo Vadis, originally published in Poland in 1896, was translated into more than forty languages.  Sienkiewicz died in 1916.

W.S. Kuniczak is the acclaimed and much-honored translator of the Sienkiewicz Triology, and the author of his own trilogy about Poland in World War II: The Thousand Hour Day, The March and Valedictory.  he resides in Pennsylvania

"Historical novel by Henryk Sienkiewicz, published in Polish under its Latin title in 1896. The title means "where are you going?" and alludes to a New Testament verse (John 13:36). The popular novel was widely translated. Set in ancient Rome during the reign of the emperor Nero, Quo Vadis? tells the story of the love that develops between a young Christian woman and a Roman officer who, after meeting her fellow Christians, converts to her religion. Underlying their relationship is the contrast between the worldly opulence of the Roman aristocracy and the poverty, simplicity, and spiritual power of the Christians. The novel has as a subtext the persecution and political subjugation of Poland by Russia. "-- The Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Literature

An epic story about Rome, persecution, and the Love of Christ

In the later years of high school, I had the option of reading Quo Vadis for a school assignment, and I can honestly say that I regret not having read it then. This book is not only impressive for its size, but also for the depth and detail that the author put into it. Striking imagery and detail fill the pages to weave a story of a love strong enough to change the very meaning of existence of someone.

Set in Rome during the reign of Nero, the book introduces us to Marcus Venecius, a Roman legionaire and noble. Marcus falls in love with the beautiful Ligia, and vice versa, but there is a huge obstacle in the way of their love. Since Ligia is secretly a Christian, she cannot marry the pagan Marcus, and runs away to avoid him. He searches for her for a long period, depressed and anguished because she is not with him, and finally finds out she is hiding among the Christians. Through a series of events, they are brought back together and their love for each ot Full Review...

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